I bought this lovely Maxima in February 2004. It had 74,000 miles and was in Chicago. In the 17 years since then, I have only put another 77,000 miles on it--mostly highway. This car has been loved, taken care of, and had only tasteful mods done (mostly performance/suspension).

Highlights

• 152,000 miles
• 5-speed with 5th-gen OEM clutch
• Black leather interior in fantastic condition. No tears
• New suspension (stock ride height; new aftermarket struts, OEM springs)
• Meticulously cared for, but it has fairly typical issues for a 22-year-old car
• Stock 16" SE 5-spoke wheels, currently wrapped in winter tires with lots of tread remaining

SSR GT1 forged wheels (f) 5x114.3, 17x8, +45mm with summer rubber available as well (not included with car unless requested; price TBD)

Price: $2200 OBO.

The Good

• Meticulous maintenance with full records
• Clean title, no collisions
• Interior is in immaculate condition for a 22-year old car
• Car hasn't been driven regularly in winters since I bought it; no obvious exterior rust
• New clutch (5th gen OEM clutch, better than stock!) installed Feb 2014 (around 120k mileage)
• Handles well, suspension still viable
• Engine has always run like a champ. No issues other than a slightly high idle.
• Sunroof, doors, windows have never leaked
• No cracks in windshield or any windows
• Main cat, flex section, and exhaust hanger were replaced in March 2014 (121k mileage). Car passes emissions in Oregon. No CEL.
• Brand new Optima Red Top battery installed in July 2018. (The last Red Top I replaced lasted more than 13 years!)
• June 2018 work: LCAs replaced, new rear brake pads, caliper hardware, and rotors; new front sway bar end link bushings
• NGK Iridium IX spark plugs will last until at least 200,000 mileage
• Drive belts and lower radiator hose clamp replaced in April 2017 (~140k mileage)

The Bad

• A/C doesn't work. Compressor has a leak and doesn't hold charge.
• 2nd gear synchro is pretty shot, but this just means it feels rough going into 2nd. Still shifts fine, just incentivizes rev matching
• Needs alignment
• Trunk seal has a leak somewhere; have had some water in the spare tire well so I leave the drain plug open. Trunk smells a little musty but not terrible.
• Fog lights were removed (at least one had cracked glass). I may still have them somewhere.

Typical old car issues

• Exterior has scratches, minor chips, and a minor dent in the R rear quarter panel
• Takes two (no more) tries to start when engine is warm. Common issue with these cars. Starts immediately when engine is cold or hot.
• One shifter return spring is broken. I tried to have shop fix it but they said it was too hard to access (would have to drop exhaust and heat shield bolts are likely to break) This just means when in the 1-2 gates it doesn't return to center automatically. Pretty easy to get used to.
• Hood struts don't hold up hood. Use a stick.
• L turn signal bulb in instrument cluster isn't working
• Engine burns some oil (no smoke or smell; just need to check the level periodically and top off)
• Digital clock is out
• Axle boots are leaking, but no clicking or any other symptoms whatseover

Modifications

• 20% Llumar Charcoal ATR tint on everything but windshield
• Budget stainless steel Y-pipe
• Greddy SP2 catback (nice tone; doesn't drone)
• H&R Trak+ 15mm hubcentric wheel spacers for rear wheels
• Subframe connectors (welded)
• Chassis structural foam, RAAMmat BXT sound dampening and Ensolite acoustic foam
• FSTB
• B&M short shifter; real leather shifter and e-brake boots; Technafit stainless steel clutch line; Amsoil MTG 75W-90 synthetic transmission oil
• Energy Suspension polyurethane bushings: motor mount inserts, front lower subframe
• 9007 headlight upgrade, much better than stock
• Place Racing CAI with relatively new K&N cone filter
• Sony CD/MP3/USB headunit, Alpine amp under passenger seat, Bazooka 10" tube subwoofer in trunk (easily removable). Powerful bass!
• Grounding kit and Optima battery
• Upgraded interior LEDs: nice white and red in window switches, not too bright.
• Clear front corner lights
• LED bulbs in brake lights
• Hella Twin Supertone 85115 horns
• Autovation aluminum pedal set
• Rear fenders rolled

I would love for this car to go to a Maxima enthusiast. It's been to both coasts of the US and lived in Illinois, Wisconsin, Utah, and Oregon (it's seen very little road salt in past 10 years). She has been super reliable for me and has lots of life left in her. Happy to tell any prospective buyers more about the history if needed.

 

 

Price: $2200 or make me an offer.

Update: just swapped out the old coilovers for a stock suspension with new struts. Car sitting high and drives like a powerful couch now. V comfy!

 

Sold for $2000 (in case that helps anyone with pricing of a similar car).

 

Thanks for posting the sold price. Did it sell to a Maxima enthusiast? Or some random stranger in need of a car?

 

It sold to a local guy in his 20s who was very excited about it. I think he had an old Celica before so it was an upgrade.